Oh man, do I ever! And truthfully my credibility to do so is limited because I've never owned a V-Rod (yet?) but have had more then a few H-D's over the years. I firmly believe that H-D’s aren’t the gawd awful mess that they’re detractors make them out to be. I’ve seriously found them to be no better and certainly no more wicked then anything else out there, manufactured by Corporations with they’re own money grubbing agendas. Price wise EVERYTHING across the board costs too damn much, period. But if you’re gonna’ spend it a Harley is as good (or bad) a place as any, if that’s what folks want (I do too).

But that V-Rod… calling it an Abomination would be too strong a word but the only one that comes to mind. Here H-D (after the AMF buyback scheme and shelving of the my opinion only HIGH-Potential ‘Nova’ project) had a nice, clean slate to work with. They had the resources, time and yes (hard to believe sometimes BUT…) brains to come up with something fantastic. But instead they came up with the V-Rod…. I just don’t friggin’ get it?! I dunno, maybe I’m completely ‘Tasteless in Seattle’ but does anybody like the looks and style of this thing?! It looks like some of the scribbles I used to sit there drawing in 6th Grade Grammar School (cause’ I was so BORED to tears), that is until the teacher would come grab the paper off my desk and rip it up in front of me!

Even looks aside it still wouldn’t put me off. I like (prefer) Water-Cooling. I like (prefer) the Triple-Discs. I’m slowly now just coming to grips with (and getting used to possible servicing) EFI. I would of preferred a larger displacement but how much is enough?! 1,000cc class is more then sufficient… anything more IS just Gravy. But I draw the line at any friggin’ machine that has been designed intentionally AT the factory (by the R&D and Accounting Departments) to be an owner servicing Nightmare, absolutely insuring you MUST bring the blankety-blank thing INTO the shop!

I think over the years most (but admittedly not ALL) of us have resided ourselves to say just bringing in our lousy cars when the Automatic Transmissions start mucking up?! It seriously IS an Institution kind of a deal, having folks that even just specialize in that one job these days. But adjusting your own Valve Lash as required?! That’s about as basic as changing oil and filters. One of Harleys greatest features bar none were the use of Hydraulic Valve Lash adjusters. Just about 100’s of Millions of U.S. made cars at any given time in existence have had em’. They work great, they take up needed space in the Valve Train (to allow for expansion and contraction of parts) using Oil Pressure supplied by the Oil Pump. They not only take up the varying slack but quiet the system as well (almost virtually eliminating that teeth-grinding ‘click-click-click’ noise on ALL Overhead Valve engines).

But NOT the friggin’ V-Rod: Not only did they choose to take the cheap and nasty path of having to adjust the Valves using varied sizes of Shims (i.e., NO maintenance free Hydraulic Valve Lash adjusters) but in order to even access these the engine must be dropped in the frame to get AT em’! At the dealer this is a job quoted at around $800.00 to do, and you can bet that don’t even includes parts and supplies either. It’s friggin’ outrageous!!! How many V-Rods out there are new owners simply going to forgo this critically needed operation and just pass along they’re V-Rods at the 5,000 to 10,000 marks to the next unsuspecting saps (which I easily could have been one) to deal with?!

Please, by all means…. Someone DO flame my commentary here! And somehow convince me that I’m all wrong about the V-Rod???!! Because as insane as it is, I’d still consider getting one someday… IF it wasn’t for the prospect of having to drop that gawd damn engine just to adjust the valves?! But I honest to gawd just don’t have the strength or time to do such a mega project anymore….. BUT, I refuse to pay some dog-gone dealer for a job I should by right, be doing myself! Nuff’ said.

I've always been one to do things myself rather than pay someone else to do it. It does save money, but just as importantly, you get to know your machines and know the job was done right.

Do dealerships (Car or bike) put pressure on the manufacturers for more service dollars? Or is this something that is done for the "strength" of the brand?

I've never understood the drive by manufacturers to make something difficult for the end user to service. I drive Nissan vehicles for the main reason that, even in this day and age, they still make servicing easy to do. You would think others would follow suit. (I swapped a clutch out in a 1982 310 in 45 minutes!)

Maybe there just aren't many of us "Do it yourself-ers" around anymore.

i think they look cool. but thats all i can say about them. and alot of there riders(at least in my area) are people who don't strike me as bikers. mainly guys where suits and ties or the other extreme of the fashion world shorts and flip flops.

I sat on one yesterday that had the front wheel stabilized so I could actually feel what the riding position was like. I honestly thought it would be uncomfortable but I just kept sitting there because it wasn't. Hmm....total shocker, it was actually quite comfy.

My one complaint, the damn radiator housing. I've watched the Discovery channel program on the making of the VROD and they said they simply need more airflow across the radiator and that's why it looks the way it does.

But then you look at any water cooled metric out there and their radiators are in the same location and they are tiny compared to the VROD.

If HD could get rid of that HUGE radiator, I might actually think about buying one. I mean I don't mind the tiny metric radiators I've seen (and no I don't mean the oil cooler) and I think that would be much more pleasing to my eyes.

When I saw my first V-rod at a gas station I thought it was some kind of custom built show bike. The guy on it was an old time biker and he told me it was a V-rod Harley and that it was the best bike he ever owned by far. Said it had it all...comfort speed, handling...

I first saw the V-Rod on display at a mall. I thought it looked pretty sharp, so went over for a look. I looked at the brand badge on the tank and did a pretty comic double-take. Harley Davidson!?! That don't look like no Electra Glide!

H-D sure went a different direction with these machines, for good or bad. I like the fact that they are trying something new however.

Yikes? So it would seem then the overall consensus is most folks like (at least?) the looks of the bike? But I would counter-point that with: are most folks willing to be Buyers as well?! I really (really!) felt H-D had seriously laid a egg with this scoot. I'm all for 'advancing' they're product line... but I just felt this wasn't 'it'. No denying it, guess my 'wiring' is a bit different then most?! When I look a machine, ANY machine (once I get past the Sticker Shock! ) the first thing I think of is 'Servicing': "What's it gonna' be like to fix this new and improved (or outdated and worn out?!) Acme 1500 Special DeLuxe?!" IF I can get past that phase, then it's "Is there a current Shop Manual for this thing in stock?!" But that’s me, go figure?! I come from a long line of successful ‘Business People’ in the family…. But unfortunately, I ain’t ONE of em’!

LRG

Footnote: I’d bet the farm at least this probably is a pretty good Gas Mileage bike (est. 50 MPG+?!). I think if H-D would now take the advertising stance of ‘Fuel Economy with a Touch of Class’ for the V-Rods and Sporties they just might recover that (supposed) “Lost Revenue / Market Share” they’re proclaiming to the Feds and Stockholders?! Nuff’ said.

Unfortunately for me, I don't know that much about repairing bikes and I don't enjoy getting greasy so I don't ever think, "How am I going to fix it?"

However, this might be changing. I just got a book from Amazon about how to set up your motorcycle shop and basic repair. I'm also going to pick up the Harley service manual for my bike. Who knows...perhaps I'll try some things.

I'm glad they are trying something new. I don't care for the looks but do like the water cooled and a few things. If it had the power of the new Buell 1125 and could loose 150 lbs it could compete in it's class but not as is. I hear they are not selling well but I'm not sure of that. For the money I'd go with something else.

I rode one of them 2 years ago, I thought it was fun to ride, great handling, even through heavy traffic. I personally wouldn't buy one (well can't afford one) but, with most people, I like the look of them as well

I'm sorry, did someone say 800.00 to adjust the valves? Wow. Kudos to them for attempting to advance the product line though. I'm hoping that (dare I say the name) Honda will advance the vtx line. Been stuck at 1800 with no real changes for 6 years now. Time to get on the ball!!

I've always been one to do things myself rather than pay someone else to do it. It does save money, but just as importantly, you get to know your machines and know the job was done right.

Do dealerships (Car or bike) put pressure on the manufacturers for more service dollars? Or is this something that is done for the "strength" of the brand?

I've never understood the drive by manufacturers to make something difficult for the end user to service. I drive Nissan vehicles for the main reason that, even in this day and age, they still make servicing easy to do. You would think others would follow suit. (I swapped a clutch out in a 1982 310 in 45 minutes!)

Maybe there just aren't many of us "Do it yourself-ers" around anymore.

From the first day of middle school these days, you living in a consumer based society.
who you are is based on your choice in consumption. Its been thrashed in peoples heads since your around 12.

Part of the consumer mentality dictates you do as little as possible for yourself so there is a maximum amounts of services for companies to sell you. DIY-ers are growing less numerous because they drill group mentality in your head in schools now.

I bought an 05 VRSCA V-Rod 'bout a year and a half ago. I was in the market for a new bike and strolled into the shop one day. As soon as I laid eyes on it I knew that the look was exactly what I was looking for. Not until later did I find out it was a Harley--to my astonishment. Believe it or not I'm not a big "harley-kinda-guy," but since owning this one, it has opened my eyes to other Harley's and really enjoy the ride, thrill, sound, and performance of them all. When I was a bit younger I was in the market for a sport bike/ crotch rocket... but now I was looking for something with the capabilities of a launger haul then just around the block. The V-Rod is awesome, I love it...its the perfect mix of sport and touring. This past summer I rode up from Charlotte, NC to Detroit, MI... bout 2K round trip with side trips included... although my behind was a bit sore, I rode for about 10hrs in a single sitting and it wasn't too bad. Next summer I have a Pacific Coast west swing planned on it. Can't wait! It's got a good capacity for travel, without luggage bags, and rides smooth, with or without the extra 150lbs. I know a lot of "old school" harley riders talk smack about it, like a co-worker "why dontchu get yourself a real motorbike?!" But I just bought what appealed to me and I didnt go wrong with that. The thing has a liquid cooled, Porche engineered, 1100cc American muscle 2-wheeler--whats the gripe?

Two friends, both female love their VRods. They started out on Sportsters years ago then went to the larger Harley's and finally found their perfect bike, the Rod. I've ridden one of them and can see why you and they like them. I'm surprised they aren't selling better. I like them very much except for two things. For me the price doesn't turn me off. It's the weight 675lbs and low HP, for that price. I'd like to see more like 155+ HP and six speeds for that kind of weight. The motor alone is over 200 lbs.

Your V Rod is gorgeous. Most Harley riders don't like change. I have a Buell and see the same attitude. They don't know what they are missing.
I like the old style as well as the newer designs. If they don't keep up with the future with a few models they will eventually fold. Younger folks like modern and high tech. Their buying Buell and MV Agusta and making the V Rod, show they are keeping up.